Ningbo, a coastal city in Zhejiang province, China, boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects its long history as a major trading port. Renowned for its fresh seafood, Ningbo’s cuisine is characterized by a harmonious blend of flavours, showcasing a balance of sweetness and umami. With a strong emphasis on preserving the natural taste of ingredients, Ningbo’s culinary tradition places great importance on seasonal and locally sourced produce.

Dining Types

Restaurants serving Ningbo Cuisine | Image via Pan Pacific Ningbo Official site

In Ningbo, embracing the local culinary scene is a must, offering a delectable array of dishes that capture the essence of the city’s rich food culture. One standout experience involves indulging in the vibrant street-side barbeque vendors, where skewers of succulent meats like squid, sardines, chicken wings, and beef are expertly grilled alongside a variety of fresh veggies. While Ningbo caters to its small foreign community with familiar fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and KFC, the city’s downtown Haishu district boasts a selection of finer dining establishments for those seeking a more elevated culinary experience.

Yellow Croaker Soup

A beloved local speciality, this fish dish requires meticulous preparation to achieve perfection. Alongside the fish, bamboo shoots and cabbage are braised in Shaoxing wine, a staple ingredient in many regional dishes. The resulting dish is vibrant, flavorful, and a delight to the palate, so try seeking out this dish at places like the Pan Pacific Ningbo.

Steamed Turtle Soup​​​​​​​

Among the ten renowned dishes originating from Ningbo, this vibrant culinary creation is often hailed as the ultimate choice. Whether enjoyed with a sweet or savoury twist, the dish captivates instantly with its deep yellow hues. The cooking techniques employed result in a tender and flavorful turtle, providing a truly indulgent culinary experience to be found at any Ningbo restaurant.

Braised River Eel

While the city’s culinary delights are often associated with seafood, not all originate from the sea. With a rich history in Ningbo, this particular dish showcases the esteemed eel, celebrated for its delectable flesh. Typically, the eel undergoes steaming initially, followed by the meticulous removal of bones before being braised in a savoury brown sauce enriched with the ubiquitous Shaoxing wine.